The Queensland Reds’ finals hopes took a heart-breaking blow across the ditch, as Folau Fakatava – the heir apparent to Aaron Smith – scored a wonderful try in the 80th minute to secure a dramatic 35-30 victory in Dunedin.
Making matters considerably worse for the seventh placed Reds – who must win in Fiji next week to ensure finals footy – they will likely travel north without skippers Liam Wright (dislocated shoulder) and Tate McDermott (concussion protocols), while Connor Vest’s season is over after it was confirmed the lock had broken his neck.
In an entertaining match under the roof, Tom Lynagh – the son of former World Cup-winning Wallaby Michael – gave the Reds a 28-27 lead in the 73rd minute with a long-range penalty.
But the Reds, who earlier scored a scintillating try of the season contender, squandered a chance to wrap up the match as Hunter Paisami failed to pick the scraps up off the deck and knocked on after a big shot in defence forced the ball free near his own 22m line and with less than two minutes to play.
It left the Highlanders one last opportunity, as the 2015 Super Rugby champions shifted the ball right from the scrum.
Step up Fakatava, the lively 23-year-old who made his All Blacks debut last year off the bench. He threw a typically big dummy, fooled Fraser McReight and scooted down the short side to score the match-winning try and send Smith off a winner in his last home game.
The win was the Highlanders’ second straight late victory and it kept their finals hopes alive for another week, as Billy Harmon’s men moved into eighth spot on 23 points.
Folau Fakatava dives over to score the match-winning try against the Queensland Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on May 26, 2023, in Dunedin. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
“What a finish,” Harmon said. “Unbelievable, we were desperate, we needed that win.
“In the locker-room, we talked about that we needed to keep fighting in the second half. The physicality was there, we just needed to execute and stay in it and that’s what we did.
“Awesome way to send off ‘Nuggy’ [Smith] in his final home game, but it’s also a few of the other boys finals game as well, so it’s awesome we could do it for everyone.”
Jona Nareki Highlanders celebrates scoring a first half try against the Queensland Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on May 26, 2023, in Dunedin. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
A victory would have seen the Reds seal their place in the Super Rugby finals, but their season is now hanging by a thread ahead of the final regular season match of the year against the Drua in Fiji.
“It was pretty frantic out there,” McReight said.
“There were a lot of moving parts. Credit to the Highlanders, who were able to get the job done at the money time. Unfortunately that’s a big loss for us.
“It’s tough, Fiji in Fiji. But the one thing going for us is that’s an eight-day turnaround, so we’ll use that extra day to recover, rest up, prepare and do a job in Fiji.’
The Reds raced out of the blocks as Wright burst onto a good inside ball from James O’Connor to score in the seventh minute.
But the inspirational leader’s night ended as he ran over the top of Smith to score, with the blindside flanker dislocating his shoulder.
It didn’t seem to matter early though, as Harry Wilson broke free on his own line to help set up one of the tries of the year.
A typical hard-running line from Wilson saw the No.8 break clear, before he dummied and beat the fullback before linking up with his teammate O’Connor. The utility Wallaby did well not to go in touch and managed to offload where the ball moved from five sets of hands before Jake Upfield scored a sensational try.
But the Reds’ lead was cut to seven quickly as Jona Nareki scored after some good footwork.
After a clever kick from Freddie Burns to earn the Highlanders a five metre scrum, the home side levelled the score at 14-14 as Hugh Renton played the short side from a scrum.
More pain was to come for the Reds, as lock Vest and halfback McDermott were forced off in quick succession with concussions in the minutes before half-time.
The Reds however took a 21-14 lead into half-time, as a poor clearing kick from Nareki gave the visitors one last chance to post points before half-time. It was followed up by a terrible misread from the Highlanders’ front-row as Suliasi Vunivalu broke through easily to score under the posts.
Two penalty goals from Lynagh, who was faultless on his return to the No.10 jersey and from the tee, extended the Reds’ lead out to 27-14 after 56 minutes.
Harry Wilson was one of the Reds’ best at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on May 26, 2023, in Dunedin. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
But two tries in 10 minutes to Saula Mau and Connor Garden-Bachop – the second of which looked very dubious after a forward pass and knock-on were let go by Brendon Pickerill – saw the Highlanders go in front as Sam Gilbert’s faultless night from the tee continued.
There were no replays of either incident.
Lynagh’s long-range strike looked to have sealed the match for the Reds, but Fakatava, who replaced Smith after 67 minutes, showed his pace and skill by scoring a stunning try to give the Highlanders a memorable win.
McReight, who was one of the Reds’ best, said his side showed their depth and fight but ultimately it wasn’t enough.
“You talk about not being in it, I don’t think that’s true,” he said.
“We’ve got great depth at the Reds. We got put under the test quite early tonight and I think the depth showed. You talk about fight and the Queensland spirit, we’ve got that in spades. We were able to show it tonight, just not as far as we wanted.”
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Typically just another Gubba that's delusional. Do you come from Queersland, as it appears to be?
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Oh ffs where did I say I spoke to Razor? Then again where did I say Wilson can play for NZ? Are you that delusional, as you seemingly have no understanding of what others have actually heard. As far as comments go, have you ever looked at your own, being as hypocritical when most things don't go your way. It's you that's the nutter boy, as at least I can say iv'e put just as much back into the game as what I took out, during my playing days. Now run along child.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
And once again you show your childish response, being that of just another hypocritical Gubba. Try getting educated, or doing something, towards giving back to the game, as I, have over the decades.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
And once again as soon as someone questions you or your team you personally attack them. Clearly you have won a world cup as both player and coach.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Muzzo I need to apologise. Watched the replay in super slow mo. Just before JOC passed the ball and as he was falling, an ant (who was trying to break his fall) let off a sideline airbag. Rule 6.66 clearly states if any player touches a sideline air bag set off by an insect, they are considered in touch and a line-out is to be awarded to the opposition. We all know that sideline airbags can only be seen in super slow mo… I’m furious that the tmo just slowed the footage down, and didnt bother to check the super slow mo.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Need to find young guys stuck with them improve them...chop and change too much and people get disgruntled it's just that generation...big money O/S and there's options than representing country...let's face it Wilson won't be seen again if Eddie overlooks him he has been loyal and playing well just not an 8 ATM.
Big A
Roar Rookie
Valentini is playing well within himself these days - hope these guys keep pushing him - he’s not going as strong as he was the past couple of years - he needs to find another cog for the finals and upcoming TRC - I had a good look at young Hooper the other night for the Brums - he looks the goods for no.6
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Just wow. Stay humble legend.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Always playing the man... tell that to Razor, you're a joke... instead of talking to the points made... this is your response. What did Razor tell you.. I am simply stating facts... Blackadder has spent a large part of his career injured.. do you think Razor would deny that. You must be some kind of highly respected authority on rugby to need to resort to name calling to make your point.. As for me saying its a perpetual pi55ing contest for you... look at every comment you have made in this thread alone. You are a bit of a nutter mate, so I'll leave you to it as a sensible discussion seems a bridge to far for you... ps Wilson can't play for NZ he's an aussie.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Once again, instead of answering the question you resort to childish slurs like "are you off your meds".
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
As I have said, that's your opinion, in which you are entitled to,as I. Quite obvious you have little understanding on how injuries do have an effect on other squad members, Yeh de Groot, Pari Pari, who was out for a while, along with others like Dickson, etc, do play a part in combinations amongst squad members. Moreso in the backs where there have been many changes over the season, so no wonder there's been a spiralling effect. Have you ever coached? If you have you should know, especially at this level, that communication & working out combinations are essential, & it's the coaches job to keep that in place.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
It's obvious that you are the one that has no understanding, as your personal assumptions show. Who would you believe, you or Razor? His assessment of players are far superior than your assumptions. Wilson over both Blackadder & even Cullen!!!! you're a joke. Wilson's overall workrate is nowhere near those others mentioned. Possibly on attack, but in doing the hard yards.... NO. As was noticed when playing the Landers when that Lander player went ' through him ' to score. Like a majority of his playing career on the sideline?? Ffs tell that to Razor, as I know who I'd listen too. Perhaps it's you that has had to many ' pi$$ing ' contests.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Nareki aside… i don’t think the Highlanders have stepped up and dominated like they should at all. They look far better on paper than on the field at the moment. With guys like Degroot, Frizell, Paripari, Harmon, Dickson. they should be getting on top of sides not merely competing… they have lost their mojo… a disastrous season and massively disappointing in my view… I have seen them far better than this and losing Smith is not going to help going forward. They are in all sorts of bother.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Ethan who.. hes barely played this year.. but ok, lets talk about a player who has spent the majority of his SR career on the sidelines... its not a pi55ing contest Muzzo. No-one is suggesting you need to acknowledge or respect what Wilson brings.. thats your business, but comparing him to a player that has played a handful of games over the last few seasons... for what purpose? Lets be honest the Highlanders are absolute rubbish this season across the park.. the Crusaders are looking vulnerable having been well beaten by the Chiefs both home and away... but here you are frantically pumping up the tyres.. just chill and accept it. Right now Jacobson would be selected over Blackadder or Cullen Grace not matter what you think... simply because he plays week in week out without falling down with another injury... same as Harrry Wilson.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Over a decade ago.. that is all you have? Way to be relevant.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
TBH the Landers pack, have always been up there, but with the backs on many occasions letting them down. As it is they have really shown some improvement over the last few weeks with the return of Gregory, Nareki ( who is a class act when fully fit) plus a couple more. Now it looks as though Gilbert could be out for a week or two.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Do I have to spell it out for you?? Try pulling up the replay!! FFS , as it wasn't only I that's saw it. Are you off your meds or something, that you simply have no idea.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yeh true but the likes of Ethan Blackadder, who has an even higher work rate across the park than both those mentioned.
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Agree, bit how does that excuse the backend of their season...
Big A
Roar Rookie
Did you watch the first ten minutes of the Saders match yesterday - the waratahs are giving it to 'em, wave after wave after wave - the crowd was silenced and they have to resort to blatant cheating - wasn't even gamesmanship - after 6 minutes they get a warning from ref about too many penalties - yes that's right after 6 minutes and then a few minutes later the lose one to the bin for cynical milking of penalties to hsult the flow of play - net result was that after all that dominance the Tahs were only ahead 3-0 you could tell it was game over - cynical cheating had won the day again - you could see the ref was overwhelmed by the frequency of the penalties he could have basically given a penalty at every play - not much we can do about it but it's not in the spirit of the game - blatant cheating. Then you watch the Brumbies with Aus ref - same story the Brumbies weapon of driving maul was nullified everytime by Chiefs collapsing and pulling down - on three or four occasions we see the entire maul pulled down and noone standing - a few weeks ago they were sending people off for deliberately pulling down the maul - yesterday nothing. These might all seem innocuous at the time but in the overall scheme of things a try here and there goes missing and it's a different game - I get gamesmanship but this is out and out cheating - I hope they get eaten alive at the world cup and brought to account by some of those NH refs